Fitness

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, physical fitness is defined as “a set of attributes that people have or achieve that relates to the ability to perform physical activity.” In other words, that number on the scale is only a piece of the body’s puzzle.

Getting started may be the most difficult part of any exercise program. Seek expert advice, learn or train with an exercise specialist at your local gym. Be sure to research what is available at your local hospital and talk with family and friends about personal referrals

The following table highlights different types of exercise and how each benefits your health.

WHAT IT IS

WHAT IT DOES

HOW TO IMPROVE

Muscle Strength

The ability of the body’s circulatory and respiratory systems to supply fuel during physical activity

Burns calories

Increases energy

Promotes healthy aging

Exercise using free weights and resistance bands (or use your own body as resistance by adding sit-ups and push-ups to your routine) Always warm up and stretch before exercising

Muscle Endurance

The ability of the body’s muscles to contract for extended periods of time

Increases metabolism

Reduces fatigue

Improves posture

Reduces injuries

Plan full-body workouts that include all of the muscle groups. Change your strength-training routine every month to continually increase endurance

Cardiorespiratory Endurance

The ability of the body’s heart, blood vessels, and lungs to supply fuel during sustained physical activity

Delivers oxygen and nutrients to tissue

Removes waste products

Maintains overall heart health

Aerobic exercise (walking, running, etc.) Dancing Swimming Bicycling

Body Composition

The relative amount of fat verses muscle, bone, and other vital body parts

Describes the percentage of fat-free mass (muscle, bone and water) in the body

Aerobic exercise (walking, running, etc.) Resistance exercise

Flexibility

The range of motion around a joint in the body

Improves circulation

Improves athletic performance

Reduces injuries

Always stretch before and after exercise. Avoid hunching over when sitting